Low cost but efficient backup solution.

[aCynic2]

Here is what I have:

1. WinXP Pro system with 2x320gig drives.
2. WinXP Home laptop with 60gig, 40gig and 30gig drive.
3. Linux server w/ 30gig drive.

I'm looking to build a decent universal backup system, perhaps something on the order of a homemade NAS built around cheap 20-60gig external HDs.

I don't intend on backing up anything in full because I have backups of the apps already. I would just want to backup the unrecoverable data such as music files, configurations, etc.

Has anyone done anything like this? Is it feasible?

 

[sgrinavi]

Is adding drives to your lunix box out of the question?

 

[aCynic2]

I'd have to research it. It's not out of the question, but that machine is old. It uses 2x800Mhz procs (back when dual meant two full procs). It's longevity is not assured.

The drives it uses are not SATA.

 

[Blain]

Buy an add-in SATA card and a big ole SATA HD.

You can also find 64-bit PCI / SATA cards if you've got the 64-bit slot for one.

 

[0roo0roo]

yup, sata to pata converters are cheap, or get a sata card. or a usb/firewire enclosure.
no need to build a nas, save that money and upgrade your main pc first. share the linux server drive and use cobian/syncback to schedule directory syncs to that mapped drive from the xp pc's.

 

[Slowlearner]

Your backup needs are modest, and the problem you are trying to avoid is hard drive failure. While Linux is an acceptable option - do keep in mind that most of us are unfamiliar with data recovery in Linux, while we may have some experience with Windows recovery tools. So I would recommend an external hard drive in conjunction with a folder replication software such as Cobian backup or Karen's Replicator - no nas, no linux boxes, fresh hard drives - meaning less than a year old, doesnt have to be sata. We are looking at less than 100$ for a 320GB external hard drive.